Jennifer Lopez credits Ben Affleck for 'Kiss of the Spider Woman' despite divorce

Jennifer Lopez appeared on NBC’s Today show on Monday, October 6, to promote her latest film Kiss of the Spider Woman, where a moment involving co-host Craig Melvin briefly shifted the conversation from professional to personal.

During the interview, Melvin referenced Lopez’s recent divorce from Ben Affleck, prompting a lighthearted but pointed response from the singer and actress. “There you go! Look at this guy!” Lopez said, interrupting him. Melvin quickly clarified that he mentioned Affleck because he is an executive producer on the film.

Despite the awkward moment, Lopez acknowledged Affleck’s contribution to the project, stating, “If it wasn’t for Ben, the movie wouldn’t have gotten made. And I will always give him that credit.” She added, “Things happen, you have to keep going,” when asked more broadly about her perspective on the divorce.

Lopez, 56, emphasized how Kiss of the Spider Woman, a musical film centered on escapism and resilience, helped her navigate a difficult chapter in her personal life. “It’s funny, the movie is about escapism. It’s about how movies and art save us in the hardest times of our lives,” she said. “Doing this project was such a dream come true for me that it really got me through a moment that was difficult in my personal life as well.”

Lopez and Affleck’s relationship has been under public scrutiny since they first began dating in 2002. After ending their initial engagement in 2004, they reunited in 2021 and married in July 2022. However, citing irreconcilable differences, the couple finalized their divorce earlier this year in February.

Reflecting on the filming process in a previous interview with CBS News Sunday Morning, Lopez admitted it was a turbulent period. “Every moment on set, I was so happy, and then back home, it was not great,” she shared.

Lopez concluded the Today interview on a hopeful note, saying, “After [filming] I took some time off and now we’re back. I’m really excited for everybody to see this film. It’s a beautiful film about love.”